On Friday 3rd May, in somewhat un-Spring like weather, Peakirk cum Glinton Primary School welcomed back one of their very own, footballer and local hero, Luke Steele.

Luke started his successful career with Peterborough United, before progressing to Manchester Utd, playing for his country at U18, U19 and U20 levels, followed with further spells at Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Barnsley. Luke is currently the number one goalkeeper for Nottingham Forest.

Luke spoke to the pupils in assembly, remembered scoring his first goal on the school field and presented the school with the signed shirt he wore when he saved a penalty for Notts Forest against Chelsea! He is passionate about sport and physical activity believing that, ‘The Daily Mile is absolutely amazing, great for the kids to get regular exercise… the main thing is to get everyone active, I’d recommend it to others.’

Luke also opened the school’s brand new all weather 300m track, laid to ensure all year round physical activity can take place. The children counted down to Luke cutting the ribbon before the whole school did The Daily Mile! Parents also joined their children after school to try out the new track and do their own Daily Mile.

Headteacher, Mr Craig Kendall, said of why they started The Daily Mile, ‘We know the importance of brain breaks to revisit lessons, alongside the obvious health benefits… communicating messages about mindfulness, looking after themselves mentally and physically. Also the known impact on standards and results, all of the things that are important to children growing up in today’s society, are helped by doing regular physical activity.’

Class Teacher and PE Coordinator, Mrs Katherine Jenson said, ‘it has been great since we started, the children come in in the morning asking when will we do the mile today, before English, during English, after Maths? They have the expectation that at some time in the morning we will have a little break to do our Daily Mile.’

We wish the school and its local community every success in embedding The Daily Mile into their daily routine.